Mudzinganyama, Scheffer win FNB Platinum Trail Run titles

North West Province –The ATKV in Buffelspoort was a hub of excitement on Sunday, 04 June 2017 when close to 1000 eager trail runners gathered to experience some of the best trail run routes on offer in the Magaliesberg at the much anticipated FNB Platinum Trail Run.

FNB Platinum Trail Run success

Spoilt for choice, trail runners could choose between three magnificent routes: a challenging 24km race, a shorter challenge of 12km and a less challenging 8km route.

Reigning 24km men’s champion, Givemore Mudzinganyama obliterated the field in a lightning fast time of 01 hour 29 minutes 20 seconds. “I felt really good today,” said Mudzinganyama. “I planned to go out fast from start to finish, but Tranquil was lying in second place and he was really strong, especially on the down hills. I’d make up some time on the climbs, but then he’d catch me again. I realised that he wasn’t that strong on the flat sections though. It was round about on the 16km mark that I decided to go. The route was really good, technical at times, but still runnable. It feels really good to successfully defend my title.” Tranquil Gumbo came in second, while Ngwendu Mzimazte finished third.

Leilani Scheffer claimed gold in the women’s 24km race in an impressive time of 01 hour 49 minutes 47 seconds. “I forgot how tough this route is,” said a very relieved Scheffer. “Three of us ran together in the beginning. We dropped the one runner. With round about 4km to go I broke away and kept my position. The route was never boring while the scenery was beautiful. Winning today is very satisfying.” Adronica Mokgotla came in second, while Magretha Wang finished third.

Making his FNB Platinum Trail Run debut on the day, Armin Botha secured the top spot on the podium in the men’s 12km race in a lightning fast time of 49 minutes 25 seconds. “A friend of mine encouraged me to enter the Platinum Trail Run,” said Botha. “I’m currently focusing on the Warrior obstacle races. My goal today was to improve on my trail running skills. The route was fantastic. There was a nice combination of technical sections, climbs and flat sections. It’s always nice to win, but it’s more than that, it’s about the experience, living my passion.” Ofentse Mokotelakwena came in second, while Odawa Uhuru Tunyiswa finished third.

Primrose Phashaset the course on fire in the women’s 12km race. “I had a really good race,” said a very happy Phasha. “I felt really good today. My favourite part of the route will definitely be the climbs. I’d love to be back next year.” Phasha completed the 12km route in a well-deserved time of 01 hour 09 minutes 34 seconds. Lorissa Husemeyer came in second, while Caitlin Thompson finished third.

According to the men’s 8km winner, Marco Botha, trail running is his life. “Today was amazing. The route was a perfect balance of climbs, down hills, technical and flat sections. It’s the challenge that attracts me to the sport.” Botha completed the 8km route in an impressive time of 39 minutes 58 seconds. Kabelo Moerane came in second, while Ishmael Mothoane finished third.

Rego Mothabi took no prisoners in the women’s 8km race claiming gold in animpressive time of 38 minutes 53 seconds. “I really enjoyed the race,” said Mothabi. “There was a lot of down hills. This was my first Platinum Trail Run. I had a great time.” Lizzy Dlhiwayocame in second, while Steffeny Visser finished third.

“We would like to congratulate all the participants who took part in this year’s stimulating competition. The route was filled with breath-taking sceneries that inspired athletes from different backgrounds to keep moving until the finish line,” says Mike Vacy- Lyle, CEO FNB Business.

The FNB Platinum Trail Run followed the wake of the 2017 FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic. Attracting a whopping field of over 2000 riders, it was Phillimon Sebona and Theresa Ralph who claimed gold in the Full Marathon (66km) in impressive times of 03 hours 06 minutes 10 seconds and 03 hours 36 minutes 06 seconds respectively.